Indirect sales of PCs to businesses grew six per cent in January compared to the same period a year ago.

The survey of France, Germany and the UK showed second tier sales to small and medium businesses was the main driver for growth. During the same period retail sales of PCs to consumers fell 13 per cent.

"The proportion of total PC sales taken up by the home consumer market in Europe over the past year has been dropping steadily as business PC purchases increase - especially in the SMB segment," he said.

Portable PCs show strong growth with the market increasing by 26 per cent and 36 per cent respectively in France and Germany. The UK has the strongest portable market with sales up 47 per cent compared to January last year. ®

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